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In 2013, we decided that we wanted to share more content with you. So, we added a Fishhook podcast called Communicate Church to our lineup of blog posts and downloadable resources. We were SO excited, and we knew that this medium would really enhance the ways that we help churches catch more. We recorded podcasts with church leaders about bridging the generational communications gap, how to strengthen your brand, implementing tiered communications, winning with an e-bulletin and more! But, can I be honest with you? It was a struggle.

We never seemed to get in a groove of continuing to strategize, organize and produce new content. It felt like trying to ride a bike without wheels. I dreaded having to post the podcast each week because the system was clunky. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with a new idea for a blog post, download or video ... but I didn't feel that way about podcasting. It was my job to keep this effort moving, but I slowly let it fall to the wayside. I am not proud of that. 

I know I'm not the only one who has had this happen to them because I talk with church communicators all the time who feel the exact same way. It's so difficult to be motivated to produce new, fresh, inspiring content on a regular basis ... especially if you don't necessarily feel passionate about it. 

After not producing a new podcast episode in over a year (ouch ... that hurts to admit), we're jumping back in! Thankfully, my team has been patient with me. We updated how we processed/uploaded podcasts online and even got new equipment. This summer, I felt it – the will to start again. Am I over-the-moon excited about it? To be honest, no. But, I think it's a really powerful medium. In fact, I listen to podcasts every day on my drive to work. I love them! Most importantly, I know it's an important part of our goal to help churches catch more, and I'm excited about the potential! 

So, what are we going to do? 

We're starting fresh! This fall, our Founder & Chief Culture Officer Evan McBroom is going on a Communicate Church road trip! He's taking our podcast studio on the road in his RV to meet and interview 5 church leaders in 5 days. We'll use it to start 2017 podcasting off with a bang! 

Here's what I hope you get out of this post: 

1. We understand how difficult it is to produce content on a regular basis. 
2. Sometimes, parts of your job might fall through the cracks. That doesn't mean you are failing. I guarantee you have 100 other things that you're knocking out of the park!
3. Start moving forward. Taking a few steps, even if you don't feel 100% motivated or passionate, might be necessary. And it's okay!

Why are we excited about Communicate Church? Why do we believe in it?

1. Collectively, we have something to say that can help the Church and church leaders. When I say "we," I mean Fishhook and our clients and collaborators. Every podcast will feature a guest who is having an impact on church communications, and this podcast will help us cross-pollinate great ideas from one church to another or from one of our Fishhookers to church leaders. 
2. Deep down, we know that Matthew 25:14-30 tells a story we should pay attention to. When we have inspiration around an idea like this, it's our job to act on it. It would be easy to fear this idea, especially after a couple of difficult years, but we can't do that! We have to get behind it and make it happen in hopes of a Kingdom return for the Church! 
3. It will be fun! Every couple of weeks, we'll get to talk with someone that we've met in our work – somebody really making an impact – and this will be an excuse to get together, plan, laugh and learn from one another. What a blast!

We're going to spend the next few months planning, praying and building up our portfolio of episodes, so look for the rollout of the new and improved Communicate Church in early 2017! In the meantime, jump over to our podcast page and listen to a few episodes. Then, don't be shy! Email me and let me know what you liked, what you didn't like and/or what topics you'd love to hear covered in the future. We want this to be a helpful resource for you!